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Dealing with the emotions of cancer

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Cancer is a multi-layered issue. Take the time to learn how to deal with all layers.

There are so many different aspect of living with cancer – from the pure medical issues, to emotional aspects, to the impact on
the family as well as daily living considerations.

Are you sitting down?
Accept that getting a cancer diagnosis is a shock to the system and people often go through the normal stages of grieving –
from denial, bargaining, anger and depression and finally acceptance. How you deal with this depends much on the type of
person you are and how you have dealt with similar issues in your life.

Don’t go it alone
Professional counsellors are specifically trained to deal with people who have cancer. Sometimes it may be difficult to speak about
your real feelings to family or friends, because they are also emotionally involved. A counsellor is there for you and will help you
come to terms with difficult emotions. Contact the nearest branch of CANSA for a referral to a counsellor.

Join a support group
Support groups go a long way towards helping people deal with the psychological aspects of living with cancer. You can freely
speak your mind without fearing that what you say might affect your relationships at home or with friends.

Deal with depression
There will be times when you feel lonely, depressed and sad. If you never feel this way, you are probably not facing the situation.
Don’t feel guilty when you feel depressed – it is a normal reaction. Learn to recognise the signs of depression – early awakening, excessive sleeping, a change in eating habits, a lack of interest in things that used to interest you, a feeling of continuous fatigue –
and take action when they continue for longer than two weeks.

Family matters
Families will react in very different ways. In crisis, families tend to behave the way they always do, just more pronouncedly so. If a
family generally evades problems, this is how this situation will be dealt with. If they are generally supportive, that will be the main
trait of how they deal with a cancer diagnosis. Family counselling might ease the situation for everyone.

Decisions, decisions
Practical things may change for a while and the person with cancer may need extra care. Discuss the options and deal with practical issues,
like transport to and from appointments, possible home nursing, what to tell friends and family, medical costs, leave from work,
household tasks and other admin things.

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